Saudi health care industry gets $6.19 billion budget boost

Health and social care was once again one of the largest beneficiaries of the 2003 Saudi Arabian state budget, receiving $6.19 billion in funding. The industry records a growth of three percent per an

Health and social care was once again one of the largest beneficiaries of the 2003 Saudi Arabian state budget, receiving $6.19 billion in funding.

The Kingdom is the single biggest market for healthcare products in the Middle East. The industry records a growth of three percent per annum, a figure sure to rise as millions of foreign workers have now been covered under mandatory health insurance.

Another factor for an expected growth in the Saudi healthcare market is the increasing private sector participation. Several state health centers have been privatized and many more ventures are coming up.

In the past few months the Saudi Arabian government has sanctioned several projects related to the health sector. These include setting up new health center, expansion and modernization of the existing ones and establishment of new medical colleges. Thus, the Kingdom's prime concern, after education, is to provide quality health services and facilities to its over 22 million citizens.

Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions will host Saudi Healthcare from September 28- October 2, 2003 in Jeddah. This biennial event will be held concurrently with Saudi Hospital, the international event for non-medical infrastructure, supplies and furnishings. Both shows will be held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health. — (menareport.com)